WordGarden.ioventure
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /vˈɛntʃə/
US
- /ˈvɛntʃər/
Meanings
Noun
a risky business project or other ambitious undertaking
Verb
to go somewhere or do something despite risk or uncertainty
to say or suggest something cautiously
Beyond the definition
To venture means to do something risky, especially when it is new or uncertain. It is like stepping off the safe path and into the unknown: you are not sure what will happen, but you go anyway. A young person might venture into starting a business, hoping it will succeed even though it may be hard. You can also venture an opinion, which means to say what you think in a careful way, knowing that others may not agree. Picture a pirate sailing into open waters: there is danger, but there is also the hope of reward.
The word "venture" carries a sense of boldness, risk, and exploration. It describes doing something new or possibly dangerous when the result is not certain. For example, saying "She ventured into the dark forest despite her fear" suggests that she bravely faced something unknown.
As a verb, to venture can also mean to express an opinion in a careful or hesitant way, as in, "I venture to suggest that we try a different approach." This use shows caution, as if the speaker does not want to seem too bold, rude, or certain. It is like testing the water before stepping in.
"Venture" also functions as a noun, referring to a risky or daring undertaking, especially in business. Calling a new tech startup a "high-risk venture" means it is an ambitious project that could lead to great success or clear failure. In older use, the word was often linked to travel, trade, and sea journeys, bringing to mind merchants crossing oceans in search of fortune.
Whether you are speaking about a physical journey, a business project, or a careful opinion, "venture" suggests stepping into the unknown with courage and a willingness to accept the result. At its heart, the word is about taking a risk because something valuable may come from it.
Examples
- 1
Risky travel
Few tourists venture out after dark in that part of the city.
- Phraseventure out
go somewhere when it may feel unsafe or difficult
- 2
Career change
After years in banking, he ventured into teaching.
- Patternventure into + new area
start doing something new that feels uncertain
- 3
Careful guess
I'd venture a guess that they're stuck in traffic.
- Phraseventure a guess
make a guess, even if you are not sure
- 4
Small business
She used her savings to start a small catering venture.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
New field
The movie was his first venture into directing.
- Patternfirst venture into + area
first attempt in a new area
- 6
Business partnership
The two companies announced a joint venture to develop cheaper batteries.
- Phrasejoint venture
a business project shared by two companies
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- safe bet
- routine operation
Used with (collocations)
- business venture
- joint venture
- new venture
- venture capital
Word family
- ventures
- venturer
Explore
- entrepreneurship
- risk management
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- venturenounverb
Forms
- venturespluralnounverb
- venturedpast tenseverbnoun
- venturing-ing formverbnoun